What is the meaning of Isaiah 28:10?

Isaiah 28:10 is a verse that has intrigued and puzzled many readers of the Bible. The verse reads:

"For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there." (NIV)

Understanding the meaning of this verse requires us to delve into the broader context of Isaiah 28 and the historical and spiritual circumstances surrounding it. Isaiah, one of the major prophets, was addressing the leaders and people of Judah during a time of significant turmoil and impending judgment. Let's explore the verse in its context and unpack its meaning.

Context of Isaiah 28

Isaiah 28 is part of a series of prophecies where Isaiah warns the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah about their impending judgment due to their disobedience and lack of faith in God. The chapter begins with a "woe" to the leaders of Ephraim (the northern kingdom), who are described as being drunk and deluded, leading their people astray (Isaiah 28:1-4). The prophecy then shifts focus to Judah, warning them not to follow the same path of arrogance and rebellion.

The Mockery of the Leaders

In verses 7-13, Isaiah addresses the priests and prophets of Judah, who are also depicted as being intoxicated and incapable of fulfilling their spiritual duties. They mock Isaiah's message, perceiving it as simplistic and repetitive. This mockery is captured in verse 10, where the leaders deride Isaiah's teaching as mere babbling: "Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there."

The Hebrew phrase "tsav latsav, tsav latsav, qav laqav, qav laqav" is often translated as "precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little." This repetition mimics the mocking tone of the leaders, who dismiss Isaiah's message as childish and overly simplistic. They are essentially saying that Isaiah's teachings are like the basic instructions given to children, unworthy of serious consideration.

The Spiritual Condition of Judah

The leaders' mockery reflects their spiritual pride and blindness. They are too self-assured and complacent to heed the prophet's warnings. Their drunkenness symbolizes their moral and spiritual corruption, which renders them incapable of understanding and accepting God's word. Isaiah's message, though straightforward, is profound and essential for their spiritual well-being. However, their hardened hearts and rebellious attitudes prevent them from receiving it.

God's Response

In response to their mockery and refusal to listen, God declares that He will speak to them through "foreign lips and strange tongues" (Isaiah 28:11). This is a reference to the impending Assyrian invasion, where the people of Judah will hear the foreign language of their conquerors. The very simplicity and clarity of God's message, which they scorned, will be replaced by the incomprehensible language of their captors. This serves as a judgment for their refusal to listen to God's clear and accessible instructions.

The Principle of Spiritual Growth

Isaiah 28:10 also highlights an important principle of spiritual growth: the need for consistent, incremental learning. Just as children learn through repetition and gradual instruction, so too must God's people grow in their understanding and application of His word. Spiritual maturity is not achieved through sudden, dramatic revelations but through steady, faithful adherence to God's teachings, "precept upon precept, line upon line."

The Apostle Paul echoes this principle in the New Testament when he writes to the Corinthians: "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready" (1 Corinthians 3:2, NIV). Just as physical growth requires proper nourishment at the right stages, spiritual growth necessitates a gradual and consistent intake of God's word.

The Call to Humility and Obedience

Isaiah 28:10 serves as a call to humility and obedience. The leaders' mockery reveals their arrogance and unwillingness to submit to God's authority. In contrast, true spiritual growth requires a humble heart that is willing to receive and obey God's instructions, no matter how simple or repetitive they may seem.

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of humility and childlike faith in receiving God's kingdom: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3, NIV). A childlike faith is one that is open, trusting, and willing to learn, recognizing the necessity of "precept upon precept, line upon line."

Application for Today

For contemporary believers, Isaiah 28:10 is a reminder of the importance of regularly engaging with God's word and being open to His teachings. In a world that often values complexity and sophistication, we must not overlook the profound wisdom found in the simple, foundational truths of Scripture. Consistent study, prayer, and obedience to God's word are essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

Moreover, we must guard against the pride and complacency that can lead us to dismiss God's instructions as irrelevant or beneath us. Like the leaders of Judah, we can be tempted to rely on our own understanding and abilities, rather than humbly submitting to God's guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) exhorts us: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Conclusion

Isaiah 28:10, when understood in its context, reveals the tragic arrogance and spiritual blindness of Judah's leaders, who mockingly dismissed God's clear and essential instructions. It underscores the necessity of humility, consistent learning, and obedience in our spiritual journey. By embracing the simplicity and profundity of God's word, we can grow in our faith and avoid the pitfalls of pride and complacency. Let us, therefore, approach God's teachings with a childlike heart, ready to receive and apply His "precept upon precept, line upon line," trusting that He will lead us into deeper understanding and greater spiritual maturity.